Modern Vespa

Why is that always the first (or second, right after the MPG question) question out of a persons mouth when seeing me on my scooter?

I mean, I would never say to a person, "nice watch (or car, or house, or pair of jeans) what did you pay for it?" Maybe it's just me, or the way I was raised, but I feel uncomfortable when asked that question. It's one thing on MV-we talk about that stuff all the time, and it's an appropriate place to exchange that kind of info. But in public? With strangers? I don't get it.

And then when I do answer, there's the inevitable raised eyebrows, etc response. And I just snap my visor down and skidaddle outta there...(I admit, I woke up cranky today).

What gives? My inquiring mind wants to know.

Everyone wants to know the cost of being cool!

I'm seriously thinking of making up some license plate frames:



60 MPH, 60 MPG, $3000 2nd hand.





Any other questions?

When I tell them my GTS was almost 6K, they often will say "can't you get a motorcycle for less than that?" I tell them I did not want a motorcycle, and they still look at me like I am crazy, or will say I thought they were like 2K at most.

my response is usually: "a lot of B.J."

It's a Vespa ET4. It ONLY cost $8467.00 and I get 167 MPG with a top speed of 93 MPH. I put 22,000 miles per year on it, so it paid for its self VERY QUICKLY. Then watch their mouth drop open It confuses the hell out of them.


Janine

I have calculated it out and I tell them that it will be free in 18 months, because its the amount I will have saved in gas not using my Dodge truck to commute and run errands. (Second Hand ET2 203 miles $1,550.00 US).

Oh, man, I'm gonna use that one...!

Found it at the Mobil station a couple of weeks ago. Keys were in it, so...

I have a thread about this. I'm glad it's not just me.

At first, I reluctantly told people, because I wasn't prepared to answer that question. Now I tell people that I don't know, it was a gift, but it gets 60 mpg and goes 70 mph.

After that I tell them it came with pepper spray and I burn the eyes out of their nosy heads...okay, just kidding.

But my favorite, FAVORITE is when people say, "You could have gotten a car for that!" Yes, numb nuts...I could have. But since I already have one and the money I save in gas each month pays for this Vespa AND my car, I guess I'm okay with what I'm doing.

I just give them the list price (as best I can remember it)

Usually that's all they wanted anyway

And if they sputter about that,
I say it's Italian and recommend they look into a Vino or a Met

"I have no idea, I borrowed it from my neighbor".

I've only had my GTS 250 for three weeks and I've been asked that question several times. I give them the "out the door price" and their jaw drops. I actually had a neighbor ask me if I paid cash! I just answer their questions and let them deal with it.

I'm totally stealing that.

I always say " Oh...regular price ...)

It's not just scooters....you wouldn't believe how often this question comes up on FerrariChat!

"They threw it in for free when I bought the Lear Jet."

Really? You had to buy a Lear Jet to get yours? I got mine after I sent in 12 proofs of purchase from Cracker Jack boxes!

snork

I just tell them "a whole lot less than a car."

People are just so delighted to find someone is escaping the energy-price vice that's squeezing them, they just want to know how much it'd cost for them to opt for two wheels.

Consider it flattery.

Yes, but in my neighborhood when a 14 year old on a moped asks, I am leary about answering because that may make them want to steal it.

I might as well get a personalized plate that says, "$6779.00"

"A lot less than a car and it pays ME back about $50USD every week when I ride it". Some get it, some don't.

I tell them that the prices range from $3000-$10,000. Mine is somewhere in the middle. Then I ask how much they paid for their car.

I don't mind people asking. Unlike car prices, most people don't have a clue what scooters cost. I would hope if I asked someone a question I would get an honest answer in return, too.

Of course one elderly fellow, when told the price, reacted with his best curmudgeon voice: "THAT MUCH!"

I said, "Yeah, that much!"

I guess he won't be joining the ranks anytime soon.

It's like waves...I often wave. If they wave back, fine. If not...meh.

I tell them I don't know how much it cost and that it belongs to my wife.

That seems to clear up a few of thier questions.

i'm at the point where if someone starts asking me questions when i'm stopped and i have my fullface helmet on, i just point to me ears and say "sorry, i can't hear you" and go on my way.

People ask me that atleast 20 times a day.
Oh.... that's right I work at the Vespa store

debdarling: I love that answer -- consider it cribbed!

Cheers